VBS Craze and Camping

The past 2 weeks have been filled with VBS (vacation bible school) craze. Well let me tell you there is nothing 'vacation' about it! Madeline and I are now dealing with the repercussions of preparing and teaching VBS - we're both sick with colds. On the bright side, Jason is with his camping crew (Julia and Bryce) and several other friends from our church in Galveston camping on the beach. This was my first VBS experience. I had Madeline last year one week prior to VBS and the 5 years before that we were overseas. (I dont think the churches over there have gotten the over-achieving bug for VBS to want to go all out, nor do many of them have the financial wherewith all). And, as a child we did not belong to a Church so this really was my first time. And I as blown over. Blown over by the amount of prep work, the extent of room and auditorium decoration, etc, etc. I really do hope that many young lives had true seeds of belief in the King planted in their young hearts. And I am sure they were. There was much focus on how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah. I just love them... For example, in Jewish tradition the lamb for Passover was selected 5 days before it was killed - Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday 5 days before He was crucified. This next example is not for certain but we learned this year in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) that it is very probable that the Jews were actually eating their Passover meal when Jesus was hanging on the cross. He really is our Passover Lamb! As a cute aside, Bryce likes to call Jesus "The King" and I love it. And he's absolutely right. This year our theme was the Olympics, finishing strong in Christ and each day focused on a different aspect of Jesus life. On the last day, every child and teacher partook in an actual Passover feast with lamb and unleavened bread and the rest of it. I was really was glad to be a part of it. Julia's favorite part? "Snack!" Why, I ask. "Because we had cookies!" Yes, many of you can laugh because it is true that some may think our kids deprived because they do not have much junk food.




Jason called to let me know how camping was going. They swam all day and after a minute in the car all kids were asleep. Bryce experienced (he takes after me in this) what we like to call LBS (low blood sugar) just prior to lunch where he becomes limp, "cant walk" and has a tantrum. The kid needs major amounts of protein, I tell ya. Here is the camping crew... Madeline will join when she is weaned, so in about 5 years.

Is anyone else watching 'So You Think You Can Dance'? It is just fantastic. My friend, Wendy and I danced together in high school (she coerced me into trying out...) and she I and watch it religiously. Check it out...

It Rock n Roll

Bryce - he's the only male child and boy is it a different story. Those of you with boys and girls probably know what I mean.

Today we're on the car on the way to the Y and he starts yelling, "D-m it Julia!! D-m it Julia!!" What did you say Bryce? I ask. He repeats himself again and I ask, "where did you hear that from?" Almost sorry for asking and afraid of his answer he says, "IT ROCK N ROLL!" "Ok, Bryce we dont say that word, it's not a nice word. Later that evening he says it again and I realize that a song on KSBJ that he likes is on and he is saying, "JAM IT JULIA!! JAM IT JULIA!!"

Whew! Close one. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain that one!

Puffy Coombs

I'm not sure how we got this nickname for our cat, other than the fact that her fur is puffy. Only a very few people know how easily I startle. Sooo, Sunday night I am returning from my weekly grocery run at 1015pm. Jason is already asleep with one set of our children - either J and B upstairs or M in our bed. In and out, from car to house I go hauling bags. On my last trip to the car, I am leaning down to grab the last of it when a dark creature flies over my head onto the ground. My entire body levates off the ground, heart pounding. Thanks Puffy.

Last night I go up to Julia's bedroom to take Bryce to the bathroom at 1030pm. Into the dark I walk, eyes not yet adjusted I see 3 dark figures on the bed. "What THE???" I think. Heart pounding, respirations quickening. J and B are huddled together in a sleep hug and our OUTSIDE cat is just sitting on her bed, standing guard. Thanks Puff.

Here's the creature in question...